Abstract: There are disclosed variations on a basic technique for forming a diffusion or rear-projection screen comprising an array of microlenses formed by selective light exposure and consequent selective polymerization of a sheet of photopolymerizable material. Thus, the lenses may be made elongate in a preferred direction transverse to the lens axes by exposure through a mesh formed with an array of slots. The lenses may be graded refractive index lenses having a surface relief adding to the lens power, such relief being formed naturally or by molding. The photopolymerizable material may be exposed by laser light, for example to a holographic pattern and such exposure may be made through a quarter-wave plate continuously rotated to eliminate micro defects. Enhanced lens powers may be achieved by heating the photopolymerizable material to close to the softening temperature of the associated polymer before exposure to light and maintaining the material at that temperature during the resultant polymerization.

Abstract: A container for eggs defines a plurality of compartments each of a configuration to hold an egg captive, each portion of the container defining a respective single said compartment being connected with the remainder along lines of weakening, perforation or the like, whereby each said portion, with an egg retained in the respective compartment can be readily detached from the remainder of the container, to form a discrete sub-container for a single egg which is adapted to hold said egg captive, at least a portion of said sub-container being readily removable to allow access to the egg therein while the remainder of the sub-container acts as an egg cup. The invention also provides a method of cooling and subsequently serving an egg whilst the egg is enclosed in a permeable container.

Abstract: Cloches are disclosed for growing plants in desert areas where only salt water or brackish water is available. The cloches disclosed include a housing defining growing space for a plant or plants and a reservoir for water within the housing, the arrangement being such that water can be evaporated from the reservoir into the housing by solar energy to condense subsequently within the housing and water the plant or plants therein.